ESL Program Gets a Makeover

When: Dec. 6 and 7; Dec. 13 and 14

Where: Schott Center (Dec. 6 and 7); Wake Center (Dec. 13 and 14)

Cost: FREE

The Lowdown:

Chances are if you’re reading this, you speak fluent English. But, since you live here in California, chances are also pretty good that you know some one who is not a native English speaker, and would benefit from free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes.

With student success in mind, the Adult Ed ESL program was restructured and partnered last summer with the STEP program (Step To Education Process/Step to Employment Process) to provide assessment and orientation for new ESL students. After implementation last fall at the Wake Center and Santa Barbara High School, assessment and orientation are proving to be very effective in helping students stay in class, attend regularly, and progress to the next level.

Assessment and orientation – required for all new ESL students – is a two-day-long event conducted by the STEP program. Day one consists of an assessment to determine the students’ level of proficiency in English. Day two is an orientation, when students receive the results of their placement exams and get help to select a class for the term. In addition, students are given information on:

• Individualized advising and goal setting

• Time management planning

• Community resources and referrals

• Assistance for transferring to SBCC

Upon completion of assessment and orientation, students leave well informed of their options and in possession of some important tools that will help them to stay in school.

So again, if you know anybody who is looking for the opportunity to learn English, refer them to the Adult Ed STEP program. Call 898-8160 for details.